A message from the President

Dear Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni,

You and I are part of an extraordinary group of individuals – graduates of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The Veterinary Alumni Association, to which we all belong, helps us connect with one another, current students and the College.

On behalf of the Executive Board of the Alumni Association I would like to share with you some of our recent discussions. We will be revisiting our mission as we look to create greater avenues for alumni engagement both with our veterinary students as well as with alumni across the country:

-- We are developing communication and networking opportunities for veterinary students and alumni to assist students as they explore career opportunities and seek professional guidance.

-- We are expanding the size and breadth of our Executive Board to mirror our diverse alumni population, whether it be industry specific, geographic or demographic.

-- Finally, we wish to strengthen our Veterinary Alumni Association through greater engagement of more alumni in meaningful activities that serve alumni, the College and the profession.

I am also pleased to share with you another recent decision of the Executive Board. As you know, our Alumni Association has solicited dues on an annual basis and received generous lifetime contributions from 400 alumni, which are invested in and managed by the Cornell University Foundation for the ultimate benefit of the College of Veterinary Medicine. As part of our review process, the Executive Board has voted to follow the lead of other college alumni associations at Cornell and at a great many American colleges and universities and dispense with the collection of annual dues.

We will focus our efforts on developing programs that are relevant to the professional development needs of alumni, encouraging interactions among alumni, students and faculty and fundraising for programs identified as priorities at the College.

We have the full endorsement of Dean Kotlikoff and I have, in fact, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dean which goes into effect this coming fiscal year outlining that a set amount from the College’s Annual Fund will be earmarked specifically to underwrite our strategic programs.

I hope this exciting news encourages you to become more involved with the College through our Association. If you are interested in becoming more involved with our Association, please contact Lyn LaBar in the College’s Office of Alumni Affairs and Development at 607.253.4230 or cel75@cornell.edu.

In addition, please feel free to contact me or any member of our Executive Board. A listing of current members can be found at www.vet.cornell.edu/alumni/aassociation.htm. We welcome your help, questions and feedback.